Big plans for Green, Blue economies
THE maritime space over which Barbados now has jurisdiction is four hundred times greater than that of the island’s land space.
This is the reality which was outlined by Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason as she highlighted some of the Government’s plans and policies during the Throne Speech on Tuesday in the Upper Chamber.
It was explained that there are currently exciting untapped possibilities for the sustainable exploitation of the marine environment.
“For this reason my Government has established a new Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy. The Ministry will be charged with responsibility for preserving Barbados’ coastlines, our marine
environment, the health of our reefs and the habitats of our marine plants and animals. It will ensure sustainable use and development of our fisheries, our marine assets, resources, minerals and species for sustainable recreation and decent livelihoods for those who make a living from the sea.”
With future generations in mind, plans were outlined to extensively restore coral reefs and build new ones to increase the habitats of marine species, protect the coastline and provide for increased and improved snorkelling, dive sites and fishing.
“It will create new marine conservation areas to the west and north of the island, declare Carlisle Bay a Marine Protected Area and rationalise the legislation governing marine protected areas.
“My Government will capitalise on our large coastline and our geographical location by training nationals in a range of maritime, technical and specialist skills in seafaring, yachting, boating, fishing, sail making, navigating, and the full suite of nautical and marine services. It will transform Barbados’ Ships’ Registry to provide a greater contribution to our international business sector.”
As it relates to fishing, the BLP government also intends to take the local fishing industry to the next level of development by establishing more berths for fishing vessels at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, broadening the ownership of fishing vessels through rent to own mechanisms, and upgrading our fish markets to world-class facilities that meet international phytosanitary standards.
Dame Sandra said the BLP government over the next decade will also provide the necessary regulatory and fiscal environment to promote the creation of a small number of new islands and peninsulas off the west and south coasts of Barbados, through the reclamation of land.
“This will result in new tourism, economic, and cultural hubs and hundreds of jobs. An Environmental Scoping Study will first be done to determine its feasibility. An appropriate Social Impact Study will also be required. Policy and legislation will be put in place to ensure that Barbadians maintain the freehold of this new land space while providing 99 year commercial leases to those investing.”
It is expected that new high-quality jobs will be created and new activity and investment encouraged by establishing six Special Economic Zones.
“It will move immediately to make Heritage Bridgetown a Smart and Creative City and put in place all that is required to facilitate its conversion. This will be a precursor to Barbados becoming a ‘Smart Country’. It will also designate and promote Speightstown as a Heritage, Artistic and Culinary Centre, Holetown as a Tourism and Entertainment Centre, St Lawrence Gap as an Entertainment District, Oistins as the epicentre of Barbados’ fishing industry and Six Roads as the premier Industrial Corridor.”